The dangerous trap of telephone fraudsters

It was a normal Thursday afternoon in Bochum-Riemke until a perfidious lie turned the peaceful life of a married couple, 84 and 82 years old, upside down. Within hours, they fell victim to an unscrupulous scam and lost their savings - all in the belief that they were saving their daughter. What exactly happened on that fatal day, and how can we protect ourselves and our loved ones from similar fraud? Let’s delve deeper into this harrowing story.

A call that changes everything

On July 27th, shortly after 3 p.m., the Bochum couple's landline phone rang. On the other end of the line was a crying woman pretending to be her daughter. She told a tragic story: She caused a traffic accident in which someone died. After this emotional outburst, a man took over the conversation. He introduced himself as a senior public prosecutor and demanded a five-figure bail to protect the daughter from the threat of pre-trial detention.

The heart dictates, reason is silent

Driven by fear and worry, the couple followed the instructions of the supposed senior public prosecutor. They collected their savings and the 82-year-old husband went to the agreed handover location on Eduardstrasse/Am Hausacker. At 5 p.m. he handed over the required “deposit” to the unknown man.

The person collecting the money was a man about 180 cm tall with a “normal” build and blonde hair. He was wearing a sweater, but his identity remains a mystery. That afternoon, he disappeared with the couple's hard-earned money.

Looking for witnesses

The criminal police have started an investigation and are asking the public for help. Anyone who noticed anything unusual on Eduardstrasse/Am Hausacker on the afternoon of July 27th is asked to contact the criminal police station on 0234 909-4135 or -4441.

Safety first

Such scams are perfidious and unfortunately very effective, as this tragic example shows. To protect yourself from such attacks, the police provide the following information:

  • The police will never ask you for any amount of money.
  • The police will never call you on the police emergency number 110.
  • Never talk about your personal or financial circumstances on the phone.
  • Don't let yourself be put under pressure on the phone.

Support for seniors and married couples

The police's senior safety advisors are available to help older people with questions about safety. They advise on topics such as fraud, trick theft and burglary protection. These consultants are active in the cities of Bochum, Herne and Witten and can be reached on 0234 909-4055.

Conclusion: This tragic story serves as a devastating reminder that fraud comes in many forms and that no one, regardless of age or life experience, is safe from it. It is paramount to stay alert, ask questions, and know where to seek help. No one should feel alone or fear becoming a victim of a scam. Remember: A call that seems too good or too bad to be true probably is.

Also read: The invisible danger: skimming at ATMs

Source:

Press portal


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